What exactly are American Muslims apologising for?
Al JazeeraRamzy Baroud writes that Democrats and Republicans have an equally bad record when it comes to dealing with American Muslim concerns. He encourages seeking redress for wrongs rather than validation through claims to “good citizenry”.
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‘I just feel blessed’: Mahershala Ali becomes first Muslim actor to win an Oscar
The Washington PostMahershala Ali, the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar, discusses his spirituality and how he found Islam in his 20s after growing up in a Christian household.
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Islam on Trial
Boston ReviewBoston Review hosts a forum on the various ways Islam and Muslims have come under intense scrutiny. Responses address the legal procedures, cultural assumptions, and racial profiling that underpins Islamophobia.
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Liberalising Islam
The Bangkok PostIndonesian Muslim scholar Ulil Abshar-Abdalla believes that Islam and liberalism can go hand in hand. He says “Islam, like other religions, is not monolithic. There’s diversity within itself with many organizations, sects, denominations and groups. It’s not a single entity. And there are many interpretations, understandings.”
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‘Radical Islamic terrorism’: Three words that separate Trump from most of Washington
The Washington PostPresident Trump, unlike his predecessor, frequently uses the term “radical Islamic terrorism” despite his own national security adviser advising him to avoid using the term.
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The Muslims Who Aren’t Celebrating Mahershala Ali’s Oscar Win
The AtlanticSome Pakistanis consider Mahershala Ali’s Oscar win a first for the Ahmadiyya community, not for “Muslims” generally. The Ahmadiyya in Pakistan are considered outside the fold of Islam according to state law, despite their large presence.
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Middle East regimes are using ‘moderate’ Islam to stay in power
The Washington PostAnnelle Sheline argues that many countries, such as UAE and Morocco, use ‘moderate Islam’ to keep political opposition down by labeling anyone who disagrees with their ‘moderate Islam’ as a terrorist.
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Tariq Ramadan: ‘Muslims need to reform their minds’
The GuardianMuslim thinker and theologian, Tariq Ramadan, argues that Muslims must be consistent and recognize that Islam is a part of “secular, Western” society, therefore Muslims must hold themselves and their governments accountable.
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The destruction of Mecca
The EconomistDevelopment in Mecca has come at the cost of its rich history. Systematic erasure of Mecca’s previous custodians has caused some to stop and wonder what can be done to preserve what is left.
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When My Daughter Asked ‘Mummy, What’s A Terrorist?’ I Knew I Had To Work On Extremely British Muslims
The Huffington PostFozia Khan, a Muslim filmmaker, details her journey to make a genuine documentary about British Muslims. Her hope is that the film “contributes in some way to a healthier dialogue between non-Muslims and Muslims, and, just as importantly, within and amongst Muslim communities too.”
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Maydan editors selected some of the most thought-provoking news items on issues around Islam, religion and public-life for you. Let us know what you have been reading. Drop us a line at mediaroundups@themaydan.com!